Since the Nintendo Switch came out in 2017, fans have been asking the same thing with every rumor: when’s the pro version coming?
Now that the Switch 2 is officially confirmed, the conversation is getting even louder.
Some are hoping for an upgraded model from the start. Others just want to know if the standard version will finally catch up to modern expectations.
Nintendo is moving toward the next-gen, and the idea of a “Pro” version is back—though the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no.
A "Pro" version of a console is usually an enhanced model released following the original version. The core design and game selection stay the same, but the performance has been upgraded.
Nintendo’s decision to build on the success of the original Switch with a similar hybrid design for the Switch 2 is already a shift in strategy. Rather than overhauling everything, the company is doubling down on a formula that’s already proven effective.
As of now, Nintendo has not confirmed any development of a Pro model. One thing we can confirm is that the Switch 2 will support backward compatibility and feature a new classification called "Switch 2 Edition."
These are expected to be enhanced versions of existing Switch games, optimized to run natively on the new system.
However, they are still fundamentally the same games, which indicates that Nintendo is aiming for a more seamless cross-generation experience rather than splitting its player base with radically different hardware tiers.
We've seen a similar pattern on platforms like PlayStation.
The gaming community is still divided on the idea of a Pro version. Many developers and users suggest that dividing the hardware could make development harder and fragment the user base.
The performance gap between docked and handheld modes is already an issue, and adding a new tier might put additional strain on resources.
According to speculation, Nintendo might release a model with improved battery life, more storage, or a better display—like the OLED upgrade for the original Switch, but without any major power boosts.
Considering this, the rumors about Switch 2’s performance imply it might not need a Pro version just yet. Behind-the-scenes demos at events like Gamescom indicate that the system can run modern titles at impressively high fidelity.
In docked mode, it has the potential to rival the Xbox Series S in terms of graphics. If accurate, this baseline would provide developers with enough flexibility to port most modern games to the system without restrictions.
There’s still hope among some fans for an OLED version or Switch 2 Lite to appear later in its lifecycle, just like Nintendo has done with previous consoles after a few years.
But the worry is that history might repeat itself, similar to what happened with the New 3DS—a mid-cycle upgrade with some exclusives but a whole lot of confusion and compatibility issues.
Considering inflation and the rising cost of parts, a price hike on the base model is pretty much a given. Introducing a Pro model could make the system less accessible compared to affordable PC handhelds like the Steam Deck.
In the end, it seems like Nintendo is more about keeping things steady and refining them than splitting up its hardware lineup too soon.
A Pro model isn't off the table long-term, but Nintendo seems more focused on adding upgrades to the main console rather than creating performance gaps between models.
The Switch 2 shows strong potential, and Nintendo looks happy to build on it slowly.